Chassis No. ZA9CA05A9HLA12162
Engine No. 1373

If any single marque can be credited with inventing the supercar formula, it would be Lamborghini. Just five years after captivating the attention and hearts of the automotive world with the breathtaking Miura, the firm once again tapped the late, legendary designer Marcello Gandini to redefine the nascent supercar segment, which he did with the angular Countach prototype displayed in Geneva in 1971. The shape, which has clearly inspired most supercar designs to come after it, remains as mesmerizing today as it did throughout its 16-year production run.

As thrilling as the Countach's design and now-iconic scissor doors may be, it is far from the only reason for the Bull's hallowed status. It's equally impressive performance, increasingly dramatic aerodynamic elements, and memorable appearances in television and film cemented it as the defining poster car of the 70s and 80s. Considerable ink has been spilled about the Countach's impact, however, this treasured 1987 5000 QV model is a particularly noteworthy example worth expounding on in detail, having been cherished in devoted, single-family ownership for several decades, and kept in immaculately preserved, unmodified condition.

Completed largely by hand at the famed Sant'Agata Bolognese Lamborghini Works during spring of 1987, this Countach 5000 Quattrovalvole, chassis number HLA12162, was destined for the U.S.-market, and finished exactly as it appears today, in the exceedingly rare exterior color of Giallo Fly (Fly Yellow) over a superbly contrasting dark chocolate brown leather interior. Built in the Quattrovalvole, or QV, Countach limited model run, it featured the increased engine capacity of 5.2-liter and four valves per cylinder, resulting in a staggering output of some 420-horsepower. As an earlier QV, it is affectionately referred to by enthusiasts as a “round belly” example, named for its absence of side skirts added on later cars and desirable as the last of the pure Countach as originally designed by Marcello Gandini. It is further distinguished as one of only approximately 66 QVs equipped with fuel injection offered for sale on the North American market, making it coveted for its exceptional rarity, improved reliability, and refined performance.

The North American-market Fly Yellow Lamborghini was initially dispatched to the official Lamborghini distributors of US, where the accompanying CARFAX Vehicle History Report places the desirable Italian Supercar in California by the 1990s. By 2000, with just around 15,000 kilometers (9,200 miles) recorded, the impeccably well-preserved Fly Yellow Countach was offered for sale by Lamborghini of Orlando, where it caught the attention of the consignor and her late husband. Italian sports car enthusiasts local to the Orlando area, their pioneering view on how collectible these cars would become and impressed by the desirable QV quad-valve specification and exceedingly rare color combination of the less than decade old Lamborghini, they acquired the car that year. Now offered for sale from a quarter of a century or devoted enthusiast ownership in the consignor's care—not having been offered for sale in internet-era—it stands out among the herd of frequently traded supercars of this generation. Furthermore, the consignor and her late husband's devoted custodianship, care, service and maintenance treated to the Countach, and most importantly foresight to keep the car in its original configuration and rather preserve than restore, has resulted in a spectacularly desirable Countach on offer today.

It is a delight to see as unmodified and preserved Countach as HLA12162. Bar a dusting of the original exterior panels in the original Fly Yellow color performed professionally during current ownership, original factory finishes are ever-present with compartments and jambs retaining original paint, and factory-applied decals, ID-plates, badges, fasteners, and rivets remaining intact under close examination. The original Sekurit glass and trim remains, and the original lights and lenses are preserved in beautiful original condition. Inside the fighter plane-like cockpit, the original dark brown leather interior has been impeccably well preserved, testimony to the consignors devoted care of the Countach. The seats bolsters are in top shape, and the smell of the original Italian leather is evident.

Most recently, during the fall and winter of 2024, an extensive four-month engine out service was performed by the Italian car specialists at Maranello Motorsport of Eustis, Florida. With a no expense spared approach, the consignor had Maranello Motorsport carry out a mechanical refurbishment of the rare, low-mileage Countach, including a full refurbishment of the original engine, which was resealed and evaluated, and refitted with a new clutch in addition to myriad refurbishments. A full checkup of the ancillary components was carried out, while keeping the originality of the car intact. A fresh set of correct Pirelli Cinturato P7 tires were fitted in all four corners, while what was possibly the original tires have been retained and are offered with the car. Out front in the superbly original front compartment the original space-saver spare remains in situ. 

Today offered for sale for the first time from decades of care in single-family devoted ownership, preserved in its original configuration and spectacular, exceedingly rare color combination; this superb 1987 Countach 5000 QV offers a very rare opportunity. Truly cherished and looked after, in the factory-delivered spectacular Giallo Fly exterior color, in the rare 5.2-liter 48-valve Quattrovalvole configuration, chassis number HLA12162 stands out among most Countach examples offered for sale. Accompanied by the Lamborghini Polo Storico-issued Original Configuration Certificate, vaunted color scheme, attractive “round belly” specification and beautifully preserved condition, this is one of the most interesting examples of the legendary poster car ever to come to market.